Hot News 2005

September 23

Vecherniy Bishkek staff say they are facing administrative and criminal pressure

Vecherniy Bishkek staff say “they are facing a strong administrative and criminal pressure.” The journalists believe there is no democracy and freedom of expression in Kyrgyzstan. “After the coup d’etat of 24 March, arbitrariness is outright. Former owner of the newspaper expressed his intentions to capture the edition. He was the owner five years ago. That time he sold the paper and betrayed us,” said a newspaper’s staffer. Today the journalists are involved in court proceedings. According to them, there is no sign of lawfulness in the country. “Courts are prejudiced, following orders by the authorities in delivering rulings. They do not even try to hide [this practice] from us” they said. In official statement, newspaper’s staff said “The authorities should understand that the constructive opposition is a necessary attribute of democracy-oriented state, and should be thankful to Vecherniy Bishkek for its role. By destroying the paper, the authorities would reduce criticism, but also they would create scores of [similar] news outlets.”

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